Tiny Tots and Little Tykes, Inc. Preschool and Child Care Center

January Family Night Out

2012-01-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

Join us for our January Family Night Out on Wednesday, January 25th from 4:00-9:00 P.M. at Carbone's Pizzeria in West St. Paul. Click on the link below to print off a certificate to bring with you to help support Tiny Tots.
http://www.mediafire.com/?ehycwee5q9kdi91

Recycle Event

2012-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

HUNGER IN MNNESOTA

2011-12-21T08:44:00.001-08:00

Click on the link below to see how hunger exists closer to home than you think and how you can help! In March there is a food drive, but you can donate anytime.

http://youtu.be/w1sz7tBB9ls

2011 Preschool Holiday Program & a Visit from Santa!

2011-12-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Click on the links below to see videos of the 2011 Preschool Holiday Program!

http://youtu.be/_dwpwbypIlY

http://youtu.be/-kuvxXFPy1w

http://youtu.be/Wchp5EGrhY8

http://youtu.be/EuBrC9Wc07o

http://youtu.be/h7aqNBplXfY

http://youtu.be/pgQwScaaQzo

http://youtu.be/qGa3S5d2JRA

http://youtu.be/LQxIhV_W0B0

HOLIDAY GIVING CARD

2011-12-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Consider donating to Tiny Tots this holiday season! It's easy. Just go the razoo website by clicking the following link http://www.razoo.com/story/Tinytotsandlittletykes?referral_code=share and then click on the Holiday Gift Card tag on the top of the page. With the giving card you can pick the donation amount and send it to a friend or family member in their name or you yourself can make a donation. With the Razoo Giving Card, sharing the joy of giving is easy!

Preschool children having fun in the fall leaves!

2011-11-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Pictures of Apple Orchard Field Trip

2011-11-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Give to the Max Day!

2011-10-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to find the information for donating to Tiny Tots & Little Tykes. Give to the Max Day was November 16th, but you can donate at any time! Thank you!

http://www.razoo.com/story/Tinytotsandlittletykes?referral_code=share

Click on the link below to see a video of Tim Mahoney's "Just Give".

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150091046666142

A visit from Chuck E Cheese

2011-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Grandparents Day Snack Pictures

2011-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Link for our NECPA Accreditation

2011-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to check out more information on who we are accredited through.

http://www.necpa.net/parentslink.php

Family Night Out

2011-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Join us for our Family Night Out event on Wednesday, October 19th at Chuck E Cheese (1422 S. Robert Street, West St. Paul) from 3:00-9:00 P.M. We encourage Tiny Tots families to build community with one another. Also, Tiny Tots receives 15% of the profits earned to help fund special events.

Art creations by the children!

2011-08-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE

2011-08-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Please join us for our Open House on Monday, August 22nd from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Come and check out the preschool classroom, meet the teachers, and if you haven't signed up, this would be a great time! We are also enrolling for our childcare for ages 6 weeks through 12 years old.

August 2011 Parent Resource Information

2011-08-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

TEACH YOUR CHILD THEIR NAME & ADDRESS

One of the best things you can teach a young child to say is their name, address, and phone number. When learning the address and phone number, it may be easier if you "sing" or say them in a fun way. Help your child practice saying these in the car, at bedtime, or during meals. Tell your child of he/she gets lost or needs help, he/she can tell his name and address to a police officer, fire fighter, store clerk, or another parent with children.

CRAFT IDEAS

Here are a few nature art activities you can try to make with your child from familyfun.go.com.

**Go on a nature hike with your child and find a rock to make a pet rock.

For the activity you will need rocks & pebbles, glue (hot glue lasts longest, but white glue and glue stickswork well), googly eyes and pom-poms, fun fur, scissors, and acrylic paints & paintbrushes.

Instructions

1) Set out the rocks and decorating supplies on a big table.

2) Look for natural features in the rocks that resemble noses, chins, ears, and so on.

3) Stick pebbles, googly eyes, and pom-poms in place with glue. Kids can also use fun fur for hair, mustaches, and beards or apply additional features with acrylic paint.

**Mud Cupcakes

For this activity you will need cupcake liners, cupcake pan, mud, nature objects such as berries, flowers, and pebbles.

Instructions

Simply place liners in a cupcake panand fill them with mud batter, then decorate the cakes with natural objects such as berries, flowers, and pebbles.

August 2011 School Age Calendar

2011-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to download a copy of the School Age calendar.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mediafire.com%2Ffile%2Fvdyrt7bker84wpo%2FAugust%25202011%2520School%2520Age%2520Calendar.pdf&h=wAQCdQnJV

The Children's Garden

2011-07-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

THE GARDEN WE ARE GROWING! (July 15th)

LOOK AT HOW THE GARDEN HAS GROWN! (August 4th)

2011 Parade at Tiny Tots

2011-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the links below to see the Tiny Tots parade videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox-sPCg14NE (Infant & Toddler Groups)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8cRkUehqcc (Orange Group)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmE8VY8T8VI (School Age Group)

July 2011 School Age Calendar

2011-06-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to download the July 2011 school age calendar!http://www.mediafire.com/file/dwu1784js90nezs/July%202011%20school%20age%20calendar.pdf

COUPON

2011-06-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

If you set up a tour at our center during the month of July, ask for a coupon at the time of the visit. The coupon offer is for 50% off of the registration fee (a $30.00 value) when you enroll your child!

ENROLLING FOR FALL PRESCHOOL

2011-06-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

WE ARE NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL PRESCHOOL! WE OFFER A PRESCHOOL PROGRAM FOR AGES 3-5. CHILDREN MAY ATTEND 2 OR 3 DAYS A WEEK FROM 9:00-11:30 A.M. CHILDREN LEARN KINDERGARTEN READINESS SKILLS IN A FUN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. JACKIE HAS BEEN TEACHING OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM FOR 13 YEARS AND PAT HAS BEEN CO-TEACHING FOR 8 YEARS. PLEASE CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 651-457-0042 OR EMAIL US AT tinytotsandlittletykes@netzero.net OR ttlt@netzero.net.

June 2011 Parent Resource Information

2011-06-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Public Safety have launched the codeReady emergency preparedness campaign in Minnesota. In the wakes of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, emergency preparedness has become a significant issue nationwide. Check out their website (www.codeReady.org) to customize a plan and a kit for your family. Some emergencies/disasters that could affect Minnesota residents are disease outbreaks, terrorist incidents, fire, weather, etc. See a full list on the website as well as other resource information.

There is a wonderful website out there called www.momtalk.com that we encourage you to check out. This website is filled with resources for parents. It includes information such as recipes, activities, health information, relationship information, and being able to share information with other parents.

June 2011 school age calendar

2011-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to see the June 2011 school age calendar of events!

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?n0pphn8fjo7fe9k

Picking up trash for earth day!

2011-05-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

May 2011 Family Night Out

2011-05-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

You are invited to our Family Night Out at Noodles & Company (1590 Robert Street South, West St. Paul) on Monday, May 23rd from 4:00-8:00 P.M. This is also a fundraiser for Tiny Tots to help fund special events. Click on the link below to download and print out the flyer to take with you. Please hand them this flyer when you order your food so Tiny Tots receives a portion of the profits. Thank you!
http://www.mediafire.com/?ota6231an46aaas

May 2011 Parent Resource Information

2011-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Could your school age child use some help with their reading skills? Check out this online site called www.tickettoread.com. This is a fun interactive website that can help with this! Your child can earn tickets and receive prizes.

12 Weeks of Summer Events

2011-04-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to go to MediaFire and download our 12 Weeks of Summer calendar to see all of our fun summer events.

http://www.mediafire.com/?yorobevypv8wb8b

2011-04-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

In Representative Rick Hansen's office, a "Voices" display made by the children at Tiny Tots & Little Tykes for the Voices of Children event held at the State Capitol in March.

SPRING FUNDRAISER-BUTTERBRAIDS

2011-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

We are selling BUTTERBRAIDS which are a delicious pastry product that would be a nice treat to have during your spring celebrations. They also make great gifts! For product information, visit the company website at http://www.kittlesonmarketing.com/. The cost for each BUTTERBRAID is $10.00. Flavors include Stawberry & Cream Cheese, Apple, Cinnamon, Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Bavarian Creme, Raspberry, and Caramel Rolls (9 per package). A Special Offer contains 1 NEW Almond Cream, 1 Blueberry & Cream Cheese, 1 Strawberry & Cream Cheese, 1 Caramel Roll, 1 FREE Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (32 oz. package) for $40.00. If you are interested in ordering, please call 651-457-0042 or send an email to ttlt@netzero.net to place your order. Payment is due by Thursday, March 10th to confirm your order. These pastry items come frozen. We will be having them delivered on Wednesday, March 30th and everyone will NEED TO PICK UP THEIR ORDERS that afternoon between the hours of 4:00-5:30 P.M. because we do not have the capabilities of freezing them for you. Thank you! Please contact us if you have any questions!

March Parent Resource Information

2011-03-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

Poison Prevention Week is March 20th-26th. Please help us in educating the children about the dangers of accidental poisoning and how to prevent it. You can visit www.homesafetycouncil.org for tips on poison prevention.

Here's a Taste a Rainbow cupcake recipe you could make with your child for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients
~White cake mix
~Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)
~Baking cups
~Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions
~Prepare your favorite white cake mix, and then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Following the directions below, dye each bowl of batter a rainbow color.

RAINBOW COLOR DROPS OF FOOD COLORING
Purple 9 red & 6 blue drops
Blue 12 drops
Green 12 drops
Yellow 12 drops
Orange 12 yellow & 4 red drops
Red 18 drops

~Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of the spoon to cover the color underneath.
Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving, remove the paper wrapping, and if you like, top each cupcake with a whipped cream cloud.

HERE'S SOME FUNNY THINGS CHILDREN SAY!

Teacher: Did you get a haircut?
Cruz: Yes, I got my haircut by a horse.

Alexia: I'm going to the lake. There are crocodiles there.

Lucy: Ouch! I banged my head on the door!
Teacher: Were you watching where you were going?
Lucy: I closed my eyes.
Teacher: That's what happens when we close our eyes when we are walking.
Lucy: Only close your eyes at nap.

SPRING PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

2011-02-21T13:25:00.001-08:00

Please join us for our Open House on Tuesday, March 29th from 4:00-6:00 P.M.
Meet the preschool teachers, explore the classroom, enjoy a treat, and go home with a surprise! (Our preschool teachers have been teaching our preschool program for 11+ years). We are currently enrolling for the 2011-2012 school year. We will also be giving tours for our child care program.

COUPON

2011-01-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

If you set up a tour with our center during the month of January, ask for a coupon at the time of the visit. The coupon offer is for 50% off the registration fee (a $30.00 value) when you enroll your child.

Pictures of December fun!

2011-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

A visit from Santa!

Fun with Frosty!

January 2011 Parent Resource Information

2011-01-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

Does your school age child struggle with spelling? Here are a couple of websites that may be of some help:

www.spelling.hemscott.net
www.spellingbee.com
www.pilinutpress.com

Here are a few children's winter poems for you to enjoy!

Jack Frost by Helen Bayley Davis

Someone painted pictures on my
Windowpane last night
Willow trees with trailing boughs
And flowers, frosty white,

And lovely crystal butterflies;
But when the morning sun
Touched them with its golden beams,
They vanished one by one .

Snowball by Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snowball as perfect as could be
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for its head
Then last night it ran away
But, first it wet the bed.

Check out this fun video called "Funny Snowmen" that's filled with a lot of silly different snowmen! This would be fun to watch with your children! Go to weather.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/02/winter_videos.php and scroll down to the You Tube video that's called "Funny Snowmen"-Kris Allen "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Enjoy!

December 2010 Parent Resource Information

2010-12-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Making a Merry Holiday Season Safe

Here are a few tips, courtesy of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, to keep the holidays merry, peaceful and safe:

Though they're not the fatal poisons that were once believed to be, poinsettias, if consumed, can cause some gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting. Keep small children and pets away from poinsettias to keep the plant pretty and the kids and pets comfortable.
Keep small children and animals away from other seasonal plants, including Mistletoe berries, Holly berries, the fruit of Jerusalem Cherry, the leaves and twigs of Boxwood and all parts of Yew plants.
Christmas tree preservatives are usually non toxic. Still, check the label for special ingredients and warnings. As for trees themselves: pines, spruces and junipers can cause stomach discomfort if large amounts are ingested. In other words: Don't eat the Christmas tree.
The prettiest old ornaments might have hidden hazards. Beware of cuts from broken glass and be aware that some older ornaments may be decorated with harmful lead paints.
Lead is also a hazard in some tree lights wires. Wash hands before and after handling tree lights.
Be mindful of "icicles" or tinsel. Both can be a choking hazard if swallowed.
Angel hair is finely spun glass which can cause cuts or irritation when handled or swallowed.
If relatives come to stay through the holidays, be sure their medications are put away.
Lock medicines in a suitcase, or, if in a purse, place it out of reach. And NEVER leave medications on the nightstand. A child might wander into the room at any time, and what clearly appears to be medication to you can look like candy to them.
Designate a locked room where relatives and guests can place coats and purses that may contain medications.
Empty ash trays often, and when the party is over, clean them. Ingesting as few as six cigarette butts can send a child to the hospital.
Make sure small button batteries are not available to children. One swallowed battery can make a child very sick.

Here are some ways to reconnect with your family and enjoy the season:

Volunteer as a family somewhere. It's better to give than to receive.
Emphasize gifts from the hearts and hands. Gifts can be as simple as a cherished handprint, a scrapbook, or a service such as housecleaning.
Help children learn about dollars and sense. Educate children that spending is a choice, and that there is a difference between a "want" and "need."
Give the gift of time.
Make memories and establish traditions. How about sharing memories during a special meal, decorating the tree as a family, opening one special gift with just your family that has special meaning, starting a journal with contributions by each member, or have a family PJ night?
Let there be too many cooks in the kitchen. Make a gingerbread village, with each member crafting an individual cottage. Or, bake up sugar cookie cut-outs and use imagination with the decorations.
Teach "Thank You" from the heart. While it's natural for children to possess a case of the "greeds" around the holidays, parents should use the season to teach manners, respect for elders, grace, giving, and gratitude.

Looking for computer donations

2010-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Can you help us? We are in need of a few computers for our classrooms. We are looking for donations of a monitor and a tower/CPU that has at least a Windows XP operating system. Please call us at 651/457-0042 if you have one to donate. Thank you!

A visit from the Reptile Guy

2010-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

November Parent Resource Information-Good Manners

2010-11-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

The holidays will soon be here! This is a good time to enforce good manners. The holidays aren't the only time children should demonstrate good manners, but also special occasions, parties or family gatherings are when parents most want their children to be acting their best. Children who grow up without learning respect and tolerance, as well as how to act in social settings, are at greater risk of not being successful as adults in work settings and at social events. Parents, teachers, and providers can team together to start teaching and reinforcing appropriate manners now and in time to impress even Great-Grandpa at the next family dinner. Children must first be taught about respect for their friends and family, and for themselves. Appropriate mealtime manners should be taught as soon as a child begins eating at the table. Children don't automatically know what is expected or know what is considered right or wrong, and without adult guidance, some children grow into adults who also don't know basic rules at mealtimes.

A Great Parent Resource Website

2010-10-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

Have questions about your child? Want to connect with other parents? What are appropriate developmental milestones? Check out http://www.mnparentsknow.info/ for a huge range of information on children. This website is hosted by The Minnesota Department of Education. It provides resources on child development, parent education, child care and consumer safety information and includes links to MDE and other trusted Websites.

Red Apples, Red Leaves, Red Shoes...Oh My!

2010-10-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

October 2010 Parent Resource Information

2010-10-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here soon!
Here are a couple of Halloween/Fall recipes you can make with your children.

Yummy Pumpkin Dip
2 8-ounce pkgs. of cream cheese, softened
1 large 30-ounce can of pumpkin
4 cups of powdered sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
Whip together and serve in hollowed out small pumpkin, a plate covered with black licorice "worms" or any Halloween candy such as candy corn. On the side place ginger snaps for dipping.

Green Goul Punch
1/2 gallon limeade
1 liter ginger ale
1/2 gallon lime sherbert
Mix together juice & ginger ale. Scoop sherbert and add to punch. Add marshmallows & maraschino cherries to float in punch.

PB & Jack O Lantern
Using two slices of bread, cut out a pumpkin face from one using a large jack-o-lantern cookie cutter (or use a knife). On the other slice spread the peanut butter and the honey or jam.

FYI...October 3rd-9th is National Fire Prevention Week! Check out the following website for some safety tips-www.firepreventionweek.org.

September 2010 Parent Resource Information

2010-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Back To School Quotes:

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
John Dewey

The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.
Robert Maynard Hutchins

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.
Author Unknown

You learn something every day if you pay attention.
Ray LeBlond

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.
Winston Churchill

Learn as much as you can while you are young, since life becomes too busy later.
Dana Stewart Scott

If a doctor, lawyer, or a dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job.
Donald D. Quinn

August 2010 Parent Resource Information

2010-08-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

We have all been affected by the economy in some way. Here are a couple of ways you can help stretch your food budget.

Did you know that at these restaurants, children eat free!

White Castle-daily with each adult purchase/$3.00 minimum
Denny's all locations/Tuesdays 4:00-10:00 P.M.
Baker's Square all locations/6:00-9:00 P.M.
Champps-2 children eat free with 1 adult purchase/St. Paul 5:30-10:00 P.M., Woodbury 6:00-9:00 P.M., and Richfield 4:00-10:00 P.M.
Perkins-some locations (Check with the location nearest you) 4:00-10:00 P.M.

Save up to 50% on your monthly groceries with FARE FOR ALL EXPRESS.

Open to everyone! Cash & Carry! Packages offered are a Regular Pack ($17) that includes 4+ fresh vegetable items, 2+ fresh fruit items and 3-4 frozen meats, Meat Only Pack ($12) which contains 3-4 frozen meat items, which may include beef, chicken, pork and fish, Vegetarian Pack ($10) contains a generous variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Some of the locations, dates, and times are:

August 31st & Sept. 28th
South St. Paul Central Square
Community Center
100 7th Ave. N.
4:00-6:00 P.M.

August 4th & Sept. 1st & 29th
Hazel Park Church
1831 E. Minehaha Ave.
St. Paul
4:00-6:00 P.M.

August 6th & Sept. 3rd
West 7th
265 Oneida St.
St. Paul
10:00-12:00 P.M.

August 19th & Sept. 16th
Neighborhood House
179 E. Robie St.
St. Paul
4:00-6:00 P.M.

August 18th & Sept. 15th
Ford Plant Training Center
966 Mississippi River Blvd.
St. Paul
3:00-5:00 P.M.

Visit their website for more locations and information-www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880.

Bubble Fun!

2010-08-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Art By Voice

2010-07-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Art created on the computer by the children's voices! Using a microphone children can create a picture. The louder their voice the bigger the designs, the quieter their voice, the smaller the designs. Computer class is one of three enrichment classes offered at no additional cost.

School Age Fun

2010-07-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Look at the creativity! And wow, the things you can do with duct tape, like these great wallets.

"GO GREEN"
Learning about trees! Sun, water, soil and everything it takes to grow and keep a tree healthy.

Looking for which items come from trees.

Activities from PROJECT WET!

Discussing water conservation.

Fashion Show!

The designers!

Tiny Tots Carnival

2010-07-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Parent Resource Information

2010-07-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July will soon be here! The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some tips to keep things safe during the celebrations.

~Use fireworks outdoors only.
~Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
~Always have water on hand (a hose or a bucket).
~Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
~Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
~Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
~Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
~Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
~Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives:They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

You can also check out this link to watch a safety video-http://www.fireworksafety.com/safety_video.html from the National Council of Fireworks Safety.

Here are some summer safety tips:

SUN SAFETY

Keep babies out of direct sunlight
Apply sunscreen labeled SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, including the ears and top of the head where the hair parts.
Encourage children to wear sunglasses and hats. Sunglasses should be labeled "100% UV protection."
Let children play indoors or in the shade during midday hours.
Provide plenty of water.
Be cautious of playground equipment, seat belt buckles, and safety seats getting hot

LAWN MOWERS

Keep children away from the area when using lawn mowers, weed eaters, or power tools.
Most children are not tall enough or strong enough to use a lawn mower until about 14 years of age. Riding mowers are not toys! Keep children off riding mowers. Many children have slipped under these blades.

June 2010

2010-06-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.
Anonymous

A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.
Knights of Pythagoras

It is much easier to become a father than to be one.
Kent Nerbum

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.
Charles Wadsworth

FREE DIRT!

2010-05-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

We have approximately 2 dump truck loads full of FREE dirt. It has some sand particles in it as well. Must pick up and transport on your own during the hours of 9:00A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. If you are interested, please give us a call at 651/457-0042.

Preschool Summer Camps

2010-05-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Come and join the preschool program this summer for fun adventure camps! The classroom will be brought outside often. With Thompson Lake Park right by us, the outside adventures are endless. The children will be exploring the natural world and journaling their findings. Some other fun activities planned are"My Favorite Book" time. At this time the children will be taking turns sharing their favorite book with the class. "Question of the Day", is an activity where the children take turns answering thought provoking questions. This fun activity (a "Get to Know You" game) usually promotes a lively discussion! All of the children will take turns bringing in a healthy snack and drink to share with the class.

Summer Fun at Tiny Tots Child Care

2010-05-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Come and join us for a fun filled summer! Here are some of the activities we have planned for the 12 weeks of summer 2010.

*Caponi Art Park field trip by bus
*Carnival with a Magic Bounce
*North Star Theater "Go Green this Summer"
*The Ungawa Magic Show
*Carpenter Nature Center field trip by bus
*Engineer Paul from Choo Choo Bob's
*Tadpole Parade
*MN Bubble Parties
*Chutes & Ladders field trip by bus
* Underwater Adventures Aquarium "Crabs & Claws" & "Jumping Jelly Fish"
*Sprinkler fun
*Picnics for lunch

School Age Summer Activities

Come and join our school age summer program for ages k-12 years old. There will be many fun activities throughout the summer! The children will participate in field trips and events such as visiting Caponi Art Park, Chuck E Cheese, the Farmers Market and a carnival here at Tiny Tots where they will help the smaller children on a Magic Bounce. There will also be trips to parks to go fishing and have picnics. They will have a music and a computer enrichment program, participate in water play, and be encouraged to bring their own book from home weekly. Also, the children will participate in a fun and creative learning environment while gaining valuable leadership skills during "CAMP SMILES." "CAMP SMILES topics include drama camp, eco camp and photo camp. Each camp will span 1-3 weeks. Come and join the fun!

May Parent Resource Information

2010-04-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

West St. Paul Days are in May. There will be a coloring contest for grades K-4, a carnival, a citywide garage sale, a street dance, a 5K WOG (Walk/Jog) & KIDDIE WALK, softball & golf tournaments, parades (Teddy Bear Band at kiddie parade), and much more. For dates, times, and more information on any of these events, you can type in West St. Paul Days in your web browser and find it online.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the moms!

M-O-T-H-E-R

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H' is for her heart of purest gold;

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"

A word that means the world to me.

Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

April Parent Resource Information

2010-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

April is Child Abuse Prevention month. There is a "Child Abuse Prevention Healing Field" event at the MN state capitol from April 29th-May 2nd, 2010. Looking ahead...on Sept. 18th, 2010, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota will present its tenth annual Walk to End Child Abuse at the St. Paul Saints Midway Stadium in St. Paul. The walk is a 1.5 pledge walk and children will enjoy face painting, inflatables, a baseball clinic, kid's dash, music, and more. For more information on either of these events visit http://www.pcamn.org/.

Check out a "YouTube" video called Circles of Caring. This video has support information for parents. Just go to "YouTube" on the web and type in "Circles of Caring" in the search.

OPEN HOUSE

2010-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Please come and join us at our Preschool & Child Care Open House on Monday, April 26th from 4:00-6:00 P.M. This is a great time to take a tour of our center and to check out the preschool program. There will be face painting, a jumper, and activities in the preschool room. Some snacks will be provided also!

March Parent Resource Information

2010-03-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

National Poison Prevention Week is March 14th-20th. This is a great time to educate your
child(ren) about the dangers of accidental poisoning and how to prevent it. A few websites you could check out with more information on this issue are www.poisonprevention.org and www.usa.safekids.org/poison.

February Parent Resource Information

2010-02-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...Some Dental Hygiene Show (a visit from Robert & Lynn Halbrook)

Yes! We got the popcorn out with the dental floss!

Dental Health is very important. The MN Dental Association is offering an outreach program called Give Kids a Smile, which is free care for low-income children in need. The two-day, statewide event is Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th. Every child must have an appointment. Services will vary from preventative care, which includes cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatment, to restorative care, which includes fillings. Here are a couple of dental offices in the West St. Paul area participating in this outreach program:

Dr. Serafimov
651/455-1601
Friday, Feb. 5th
Hours 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.

Metro Dentalcare
651/457-5762
Saturday, Feb. 6th
Hours 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.

To find out about more dental offices who are participating in this you can call United Way 211 or visit http://www.mndental.org/ and click on the Give Kids a Smile link. While on the website you can also join Sharky's Bright Smile Club and get a free admission to Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America.

Here are the U.S. Surgeon General's Seven Dental Steps to a Bright Future:

1) Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

2) Visit the dentist regularly

3) Floss your teeth daily

4) Use fluoride rinse for strong, healthy teeth and gums

5) Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day

6) Wear a mouthguard when playing sports

7) Ask your dental professional about dental sealants

Be a part of "Voices for Children Advocacy Day" on March 1st 2010. There is a rally at 10:00 A.M. at the State Capitol Rotunda St. Paul. They are asking for children to make paper flowers to bring to the State Capitol for this. If you are unable to visit the Capitol on Voices Day, make your flowers ahead of time and mail them directly to your elected officials. Go to http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ to find the address of your elected official. We know early childhood is one of the wisest ways to invest our state's resources. Let's make sure our elected officials get the message.

For Valentine's Day maybe you & your family can have visits from the Love Bug. Place a mini mailbox in your home and place notes and/or treats in there (when no-one's looking) and then put the flag up so your children know there is mail from the Love Bug. Let them write a note back and put it in the mailbox with the flag up and then wait for the Love Bug to come and get it. Of course your children do not need to know YOU are the the Love Bug! You can do this as many times as you would like until Valentines Day.

A visit from MN Representative Rick Hansen

2010-01-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

MN Representative Rick Hansen came to our center on Wednesday, January 6th to discuss parent and staff concerns about the importance of early childhood education and quality child care.

See some comments that were made at the meeting below:

Rick: "You need to have a place to drop your children off that you feel safe & secure with!"

Parent 1: "My county funding was cut for my infant for a while and it was really hard for me to figure out what to do so I could go to work."

Parent 2: "My funding comes & goes all of the time and it is a big hassle to have to battle all of the time because I work and go to school."

Parent 3: "I was going through a hard time in my life and needed care for my children. Tiny Tots welcomed me, I don't know what I would've done without them."

Rick: "I will see if I can get someone to come out from the county to have a discussion with you about your questions and concerns."

Here is a list of Representatives for your district. Please contact your representative and ask them to invest in early child development. It only takes 3 phone calls on the same issue for it to be considered an epidemic.

*West Side/Rep. Carlos Mariani/651-296-9714
*West St. Paul/South St. Paul/Mendota Hts./Rep. Rick Hansen/651-296-6828
*Inver Grove Heights/Rep. Joe Atkins/651-296-4192
*Eagan/Rep. Sandra Masin/651-296-3533

Sledding Fun!

2010-01-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoying hot cocoa after sledding!

January Parent Resource Information

2010-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and along with this colder weather sometimes comes illness. If your child is ill you may need to take them to the doctor. A visit to the doctor is easier if your child knows what to expect.
Talk to your child before going and help him understand that doctors and nurses are health helpers.
If a child is scared of the doctor or nurse, he may not behave well. Try to understand his fear and talk about it. Never threaten a child with going to the doctor. Do not scare the child about shots or needles.
Before you go to the doctor, make a list of your child's symptoms such as fever, stomachache, sore throat, sneezing, diarrhea, or behavior changes, and how long he has had these symptoms.
(HIP on Health)

Here is a fun children’s poem for the winter season.

Falling Snow
By anonymous

See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky
On the wall and housetops
Soft and thick they lie

On the window ledges
On the branches bare
Now how fast they gather
Filling all the air

Looking into the garden
Where the grass was green
Covered by the snowflakes
Not a blade is seen

Now the bare black bushes
All look soft and white
Every twig is laden
What a pretty sight!

Fun With Dinosaurs!

2009-12-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

December Parent Resource Information

2009-12-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's holiday time! It’s holiday time! A fun & easy holiday activity you can do with your child is a candy train craft. Here is what you will need: hot glue gun (adults only), a roll of hard candy (like Lifesavers), 4 wrapped peppermint candies, a wrapped caramel, & a wrapped chocolate kiss.
· Using the hot glue gun, glue four wrapped peppermint candies to a roll of candy; the peppermint candies are the wheels of the train.
· Glue a wrapped caramel to the top, at one end of the train. Glue a wrapped chocolate kiss on top of that.
· To use the train as a tree ornament, glue a small length of string to the top of the train.

Did you know a high percentage of serious poisonings in children occur in grandparents’ homes or when grandparents visit? Ingesting heart or diabetes medication-even one pill-can be life threatening to a child. Here are a few things you can do to guard against potential poisoning:
~Keep all medications up high, out of sight, out of reach & locked up.
~Make sure you put your medication away as soon as you use it.
~ Be sure there’s nothing poisonous in the trash that children can find and ingest.
~Guard against look-alike poisoning, which occurs when pills look like candy or liquid poisons look like drinks.
~Store poisons away from food or drinks.

November Parent Resource Information

2009-11-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays are right around the corner. A time for getting together with loved ones for meals and fun. How are your child’s table manners? Do you want your child to exhibit social graces, charm and respect at the next holiday gathering or family dinner? Children who grow up without learning respect and tolerance, as well as how to act in social settings, are at greater risk of not being successful as adults in work settings and at social events. Parents, teachers and providers can team together to start teaching and reinforcing appropriate manners now and in time to impress even Great-Grandpa at the next family dinner.

Some tips for teaching manners to your child are:

Respect! Children must first be taught about respect for their parents, for their friends and family, and for themselves.

Appropriate mealtime child manners should be taught as soon as a child begins eating at the table.
Kids don’t automatically know what is expected or know what is considered right or wrong, and without adult guidance, some kids grow into adults who also don’t know basic rules at mealtimes.

Praise your children when they exhibit appropriate good child manners; remind them and reinforce positive behaviors when they don’t.

The time to teach value is now! Teach the children the importance of generosity, kindness and community involvement.

Set the example! Don’t expect your children to exhibit child manners if you don’t serve as a positive role model yourself.

All of the above information was taken from http://www.about.com/.

Here is a fun Thanksgiving/Fall snack recipe you could make with your children.

Turkey Tracks Snack Recipe
· Crackers
· Cheese spread or softened cream cheese
· Crunchy chow mein noodles
Spread the crackers with cheese, then arrange chow mein noodles atop each one to resemble a 3-toed turkey footprint.

October Parent Resource Information & Halloween Pictures

2009-10-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Dakota County Libraries offer Baby Storytime (for infants to 24 mos.) every other Tuesday and Family Storytime (for children of all ages) every Wednesday? There is a Pajamarama Family Storytime and a Spanish Storytime offered also. Call your local library for days and times. On Monday, Nov. 9th at 7:00 P.M., Wentworth Library in West St. Paul (651-554-6800) will be hosting "Run, Yell & Tell". This is a program on stranger danger/child safety presented by Missing Children Minnesota. There is a lot of good ideas for teaching children what to do when they are approached by someone they do not know.

Save up to 50% on your monthly groceries with Fare For All Express! Purchase prepared bags of food containing fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. Check the following website for dates, times & for a location near you: http://www.fareforall.org/.

Here are a couple of fun Halloween/Fall recipes you can make with your children.

Yummy Pumpkin Dip
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened1 large 30-ounce can of pumpkin4 cups powdered sugar2 teaspoons cinnamon2 teaspoons ginger
Whip together and serve in hollowed out small pumpkin, a plate covered with black licorice "worms" or any Halloween candy such as candy corn. On the side place ginger snaps for dipping.

Green Ghoul Punch
1/2 gallon limeade1 liter ginger ale1/2 gallon lime sherbert
Mix together juice & ginger ale. Scoop sherbert and add to punch. Add marshmallows & maraschino cherries to float in punch.

PB & Jack O Lantern
Two slices of bread, cut out a pumpkin face from one using a large jack-o-lantern cookie cutter (or use a knife). On the other slice spread the peanut butter and the honey or jam.

PHOTOS OF OUR HALLOWEEN FUN!

Visit from the West St. Paul fire station

2009-10-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

Child Care Openings

2009-09-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

We now have openings in our child care program ages 6 weeks through 12 years old!

Savings!-Once you become a family at our center and you refer our program to others you may receive a $50.00 credit to your tuition account after the family you referred has had their child(ren) in our program for 30 days.

September Parent Resource Information

2009-09-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Need a few ideas for packing your child's lunch, so they will actually eat it! Here are a few suggestions.

Learn what your child likes to eat.
Try a larger variety of foods in the lunch, but smaller portions of them.
Let them help! Let them help you pick out food at the grocery store, give you their ideas/favorites, and help you pack the lunch.
Once in a while pack a lunchbox surprise, such as a note or a sticker. it will let your child know that you are thinking of them and put a smile on their face during their lunchtime.

Child Care Program-Fun in the Summer

2009-08-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

We now have openings for our child care program for ages 6 weeks through 12 years. We have some special activities planned for the summer. Here is our 13 Weeks of Summer 2009 calendar.

June 8-12/Pirates and Treasures (resource event: Pirate Jump, Fri. June 12th)

June 15-19/Books, Music, and More (resource event: Reading Ranger, Tues. June 16th)

June 22-26/Things to do in MN (field trip: MN Children's Museum by bus, Thurs. June 25th)

June 29-July 2/The Red, White and Blue (ice cream social, Mon. June 29th 3:00-5:00 P.M.)

July 6-10/Sea, Sand and Sandcastles (resource event: Under Water World "Oceans 101", Fri. July 10th)

July 13-17/Going to the Carnival (carnival at Tiny Tots, Wed. July 15th)

July 20-24/Under Construction (field trip: The Works Museum by bus, Thurs. July 23rd)

July 27-31/From Farm to Market (resource event: Walton's Petting Zoo, Tues. July 28th)

August 3-7/Moon, Sun and Stars (making suncatchers at Tiny Tots)

August 10-14/In the Garden (field trip: Caponi Art Park by bus, Fri. Aug. 14th)

August 17-21/Busy Bees and Butterflies (walking field trip to Thompson Park, Tues. Aug. 18th)

August 24-28/Let's Get Wet (sprinkler fun at Tiny Tots)

August 31-September 4/Picnic in the Park (free lunch at Tiny Tots)

Check out the special school age activities for the summer in addition to the fun events listed above!

Camp Smiles (arts & crafts, sports, science & engineering)-2 every week

Thompson Park naturalist events-2 every month

Computer & Music classes-every Monday

Fun outings to: Wentworth library, movie theater, Dairy Queen, Museums, Chuck E. Cheese, local parks, and much more!

Parent Resource Information

2009-08-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do as a family this summer? Here are a few ideas.

The Dakota County Fair in Farmington, MN is August 10th-16th. The admission is $5.00 for an adult, $2.00 for ages 6-12 years, and $2.00 for seniors. There are food vendors, barns with animals to pet, a free entertainment stage, information/safety vendors such as police officers, and much more! Check it out!
The MN Children's Museum is free to all ages (adults & children) the third Sunday of every month. This is a very fun and educational place to visit.

Beaches aren't just for swimming! Try collecting some items and making an art project. Collect some sand and seashells. Take a plastic bottle (12 ounce size or smaller), pour the sand in, add seashells, and then add some water. You can add some other items such as glitter and food coloring. The bottle will look like an ocean when lying down sideways. You can also glue the top on to prevent spills.

In addition, you can collect seashells and paint them!

Summer often means going to the beach, a lake, or swimming in a pool. It is very important to discuss safety while in or around water with your children. Visit http://www.usa.safekids.org/ for information and tips on this topic.

Summer & Fall 2009 Preschool Program Openings

2009-05-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Join us for our summer preschool program. There are two sessions to choose from or join us for both! The first session is June 15th-July 16th (no school during June 29th week). The classes are Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($110.00 for a 4 week session) OR Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($110.00 for a 4 week session) OR all 4 days Monday through Thursday 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($175.00 for a 4 week session). The second session is July 27th-August 20th. The classes are Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($110.00 for a 4 week session) OR Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($110.00 for a 4 week session) OR all 4 days Monday through Thursday 9:00-11:30 A.M. ($175.00 for a 4 week session).

Our Fall preschool program will begin on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. We will be having an open house on Monday, August 31st from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Please join us! Call us for more information at 651/457-0042.